HI SR26

Requests establishment of a Court Security and Department of Law Enforcement Capacity Working Group to address Deputy Sheriff staffing shortages and rising reliance on private security contractors at state court facilities.

Working group membership would include the Chief Justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court, Director of Law Enforcement, Directors of Human Resources Development and Finance, Attorney General, and representatives from affected bargaining units.

Group would examine mission scope alignment, facility staffing needs, recruitment and retention challenges, private contracting costs, and accountability concerns related to using private security in constitutional settings.

Report with findings and recommendations, including proposed legislation, is due no later than twenty days before the Regular Session of 2027 convenes.

Hawaii State Judiciary is requested to provide administrative support and prepare the working group's report.